UAB to host area historians for discussion on its role in Birmingham’s history

Area experts will discuss UAB and the City of Birmingham’s role in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement on Jan. 25.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has assembled a panel of local historians and educators to discuss UAB and the City of Birmingham’s place in history, from early beginnings through urban renewal and during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. “A Celebration of UAB Diversity” is free and open to the public, and it will take place Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, in the Mervyn H. Sterne Library, 917 13th St. South, from 4 to 6 p.m.

The event is part of the UAB and City of Birmingham partnership, 50 Years Forward, the ongoing 50th anniversary commemoration of the seminal events of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.

The evening’s theme is “Blending of the Past and the Present: a discussion of early years of Birmingham and UAB through the turbulent Civil Rights era.” Panelists will include: James Baggett, archivist for the City of Birmingham and head of archives for the Birmingham Public Library; Tennant McWilliams, Ph.D., UAB professor emeritus; and Ann Gilbert, local historian, genealogist and archivist.

Odessa Woolfolk, educator, civic activist and former assistant to the UAB president for community relations, will serve as moderator. There will be a reception following the event.

About UAB and 50 Years Forward As an institution committed to service, excellence, diversity and community involvement, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is a proud partner with the City of Birmingham in 50 Years Forward, the ongoing 50th anniversary commemoration of the seminal events of the of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. UAB is joining with others to mark this enduring legacy in a way that looks to the future — to sharing new knowledge that benefits society, to advancing the cause of human rights while educating tomorrow’s leaders and to improving quality of life for all. Learn more at www.uab.edu/50yearsforward.